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In a statement to the press Cyprus Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou stated that during the meeting all aspects of the Cyprus problem were examined and the Cypriot side stressed the need to proceed to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1250 which calls for the resumption of talks without preconditions.

He said that President Clerides repeated the position that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to participate in these talks "on absolutely equal footing" with the Turkish Cypriots.

"Mr Clerides is ready to participate in these talks as a Representative of the Greek Cypriot community and he will be delighted to see Mr Denktash there representing the Turkish Cypriot community, in order to try and make a breakthrough and reach a compromised solution to the benefit of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots", he said.

Replying to questions the Government Spokesman also said that the Americans wish the peace process to proceed and have promised they will exert their influence in this direction.

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"We had a very full and open exchange and we are both hopeful that we will be moving forward in accordance with the G8 statement and the UN Security Council Resolutions", Mr Moses said after the meeting.

"The invitation has not yet been issued. But the Security Council has called for talks to commence this fall and that is what we are all looking forward to and my talks have been directed towards accomplishing that ", he said.

Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou told the press that the talks did not only focus on procedural issues but on issues which would secure the success of the talks if they take place.

President Clerides also met yesterday with the President of Albania Mr Rexhep Meidani, with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem, bilateral relations and the situation in Albania.

President Clerides briefed his Albanian counterpart on the present phase of the Cyprus problem. He also reiterated Cyprus' readiness to offer financial assistance to Albania. The prospect of Cyprus investments in Albania was also discussed.

The Albanian President repeated his country's position on Cyprus which, as he said, complies with the UN resolutions.

President Clerides will address the UN General Assembly this afternoon (for full text of speech see Special Issues).

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In his address before the UN General Assembly, in a reference to Cyprus, Mr Papandreou said that following the Declaration on Cyprus of the leaders of the G8 group and the UN Security Council Resolutions 1250 and 1251 last June, there is hope that a new initiative will break the present deadlock.

Cyprus' accession to the European Union will benefit both communities living on the island he said, and invited the Turkish Cypriots "in the spirit of profound friendship between Greeks and Turks" to grab this historical opportunity.

"Let us break down the last Berlin Wall that artificially divides these peoples. Let us show the world and our children that -yes we can live together in peace and harmony with respect of human rights and democratic principles within a wider European family", he said.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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